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Page 292
all his threats, he did Simon no harm. Why should I not believe he has forgiven my transgression? And, you know, Ian," Alinor laughed, "it is a rare woman who hates a man for calling her beautiful and making advances. Resistance does not betoken hatred."
"Yet you hate the king."
"Certainly not for attempting to lie with me. Besides, I am not sure hate is the right word. I fear King Johnnot so much for myself, butbut he would eat the world if he could, and yet he hates it and everyone in it, I think."
"He is not so bad as that. He loves one, at least. Go on with your letter."
Since it was impossible for Alinor to define her feelings about the king, she began to read again. "'Not knowing, my lord, that in the midst of your victories and the heavy business that must fall upon you, you would still find time to think of my insignificant troubles. I had accepted an offer of marriage from one of your most loyal servants. Ian, Lord de Vipont, and I were betrothed on the ides of October and married on the first day of December by Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester, with William, Bishop of London, and Eustace, Bishop of Ely, assisting. I hope you will pardon this unknowing disobedience and I hope you will believe that I intended no disrespect. Indeed, knowing Lord Ian to be high in your favor, my lord, I thought this union would be pleasing to you. Allow me, my lord, to sue humbly for your approval of my good intentions and to subscribe myself your faithful, loyal servant and vassal, Alinor.' And so on and so on. There, what think you?"
"I do not think I like that 'sue humbly,'" Ian bristled. "We did no wrong. I even paid for leave to marry who I would."
"You shall change it to what you like," Alinor soothed, "but for a woman such words come easier than to a man. I am willing to 'sue humbly' if it will buy me a little peace."

 
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